The driver of the van, a 71-year-old man from Deeping St James in Lincolnshire, was taken to Peterborough City Hospital with serious but not life threatening injuries, where he remains in a stable condition.

A spokesman for Sainsbury’s said: “We are saddened by this tragic news and our thoughts are with family and loved ones at this time. We are helping the police with their investigations.”

The A47 was closed in both directions between the junctions with the A1139 and Crowland Road, and re-opened at 4pm.

Anyone who saw the collision, or either vehicle involved just prior, should contact Sgt Simon Goldsmith at the roads policing unit on 101.

Fatal RTC on A47 near Eye involving a car and delivery van EMN-150623-193206009